Wildfires kill 34 in Algeria as heatwave sweeps North Africa

Wildfires raging across Algeria during a blistering heatwave have killed more than 30 people and forced mass evacuations, the government said.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a raging forest fire near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

A resident tries to extinguish a fire in the northwestern coastal town of Tabarka amidst a blistering heatwave on July 24, 2023.

Burnt trees stand in the wake of a forest fire near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

Smoke from fires raging in the northwestern coastal town of Tabarka covers the sun amidst a blistering heatwave on July 24, 2023.

Smoke plumes from forest fires billow near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

A forest fire rages near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

A firetruck moves along a road as a forest fire rages near the town of Melloula in northwestern Tunisia close to the border with Algeria on July 24, 2023.

People inspect burnt vehicles after raging wildfires in Bouira, 100 km from Algiers, Algeria, Monday, July 24, 2023.

Burnt trees and vehicles are pictured in the aftermath of a wildfire in Bejaia, Algeria July 25, 2023.